Research shows students improve as writers when they write frequently and receive helpful, timely feedback and assessment. With SMARTHINKING's GradeGuidance program, SMARTHINKING E-structor® Certified tutors -- 90% of whom have a masters degree or PhD in a writing related discipline -- provide a suggested grade and individualized comments that identify strengths and areas for improvement in a student's writing. From the Internet, a professor can view all of his or her students' submitted papers, responses from SMARTHINKING tutors,and suggested grades. The professor maintains ultimate grading authority.

SMARTHINKING tutors -- like teaching assistants -- merely shoulder the commenting and assessment burden. With increased feedback that supports the professor's in-class and on-paper comments, students get more writing assistance and practice. Students promptly receive a suggested grade that will be consistent across a school's sections and classes. Further, by having a third party assess a paper, grading disputes between student and instructor can be minimized. (Information Sheet)